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Referee inspires athletes of the future

World Cup and Premier League referee Howard Webb visited the University to give an inspirational talk to our elite athletes.

It was his second time here, having used the University’s facilities to assess his fitness before this year’s World Cup in South Africa. He said: ‘I came for a lab assessment before the World Cup to assess where my fitness was. I realised then what a modern establishment º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is and that’s certainly the overriding impression I’ve had today – some wonderful new buildings, enthusiastic staff and some great facilities.'

Howard, who this year became the first person to referee the Champions League final and World Cup final in the same year, met students who receive support from the elite athlete scheme. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package to athletes who compete, or have the potential to compete, at national or international level.

During his talk Howard focused on the sports science support work he had received from º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Senior Lecture in Sport and Exercise, Dr Matt Weston, which has played a huge part in his refereeing career.

Anything is possible Those meeting Howard included Terence Bosson, who clinched a silver medal in the India Commonwealth Games for Greco Roman Wrestling. Other athletes included Tyrone Oyelami-Thomas who has represented GB in Basketball and North-East runners Ricky Stevenson and Stacey Smith.

Howard, Who has been a Premier League referee for eight seasons and is one of 16 full-time Select Group professional referees, said: ‘My message to all º£½ÇÖ±²¥ students is to always believe in yourself, set your goals high, strive hard for what you think you can achieve and anything is possible.’

Futsal athletes Michael Roberts and Jason Kilbride were two of the students who had the opportunity to have a personal chat with Howard.

Michael said: ‘It’s been amazing to meet someone who’s performed in front of that number of people. Howard has made all the decisions and ran the show at the very highest level.’

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